Bildungsroman etymology

Etymology

• Bildungsroman is a German compound noun that emerged in the 19th century.
• Bildung means "formation," "education," or "development."
• Roman means "novel."

Meaning and Origin

A Bildungsroman is a type of novel that focuses on the development and maturation of its protagonist from childhood to adulthood. It typically follows the protagonist's journey of self-discovery, moral growth, and integration into society.

The Bildungsroman originated in 18th-century Germany as a reaction to the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and individuality. It emphasized the importance of education, experience, and personal growth in shaping one's character and place in the world.

Some key characteristics of a Bildungsroman include:

• Central character who goes through a journey of self-discovery
• Exploration of themes such as identity, morality, and purpose
• Emphasis on the role of education, experience, and society in shaping the character
• Romantic elements, such as nature and emotion
• Often includes themes of social or cultural change

Examples of Bildungsromans

• "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship" by Johann Wolfgang Goethe
• "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Bildungsroman relate terms

• roman

  Etymology Roman derives from the Latin word Romanus which originally referred to t

• roman

  Etymology Roman derives from the Latin word Romanus which originally referred to t

• boggle

  Etymology The word boggle has two etymological origins Origin 1 From the Middle En

• empirical

  Etymology The word empirical comes from the Greek word empeiria meaning experience

• kaput

  Etymology The word kaput is derived from the German expression Ganz kaputt or kaput

• astronomy

  Etymology The word astronomy is derived from the Greek words astron ἄστρον

• interpret

  Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the word ba

• period

  Etymology The word period comes from the Middle English word periode which itself

• king

  Etymology Old English cyning pronounced kuh ning Proto Germanic kuningaz Proto

• pomp

  Etymology Latin pompa meaning procession parade Meaning A grand elaborate o